How to Use Our Programs

Certified Compliance vs. Monitored Compliance

Which program should I use?

The Woodwork Institute has two programs available nationally for the certification of projects. Both have the same purpose, to ensure the millwork that is provided meets the requirements of both the project specifications and the North American Architectural Woodwork Standards (NAAWS). However, there are critical differences between how the two programs operate and the degree of examination of the overall project that is provided.

Both programs, Certified Compliance and Monitored Compliance, cover the fabrication and installation processes. There is a separate California installation program that covers seismic requirements within the requirements of the California Department of Health Care Access and Information (HCAI).

You can find the California Seismic Installation Program information here.

Certified Compliance Program (CCP)

The Woodwork Institute’s Certified Compliance Program (CCP) provides basic certification of the shop drawings, product, and installation. There are two ways in which this is provided.

Non-Affiliate Shop:

All inspections are performed and certificates are provided by Woodwork Institute field staff

1. The shop drawings are inspected by Woodwork Institute field staff to verify they have all the components required by the North American Architectural Woodwork Standards (NAAWS), and that the materials, hardware, and construction methods comply with the project specifications.

2. Fabrication and installation are examined for compliance with the relevant specifications and NAAWS, and the fit and finish of all items must be within the tolerances listed in NAAWS. The inspection takes place at completion of the project, and is a pass/fail inspection, with a small allowance for correction of minor items.

Affiliate Shop:*

1. Certification of the project and primary inspection are provided by the affiliate shop. Upon request for certificates, these are issued to the shop, and the shop is considered the first inspector of the project. If any party to the contract requests it, Woodwork Institute field staff will provide a full re-inspection of the work. There is no cost to the owner, architect or general contractor for this Woodwork Institute inspection service, and no charge to the shop if the inspection results in a Pass or Conditional Pass. If the inspection is failed, however, the inspection costs are borne by the shop.

*A shop goes through a rigorous affiliation process requiring Woodwork Institute inspections to become an Affiliate. We require testing, recommendations, inspections and shop visits. The recommendations come from both architects and general contractors. Affiliate shops’ projects are randomly inspected by Woodwork Institute field staff once a year.

Monitored Compliance Program (MCP)

The Woodwork Institute’s Monitored Compliance Program (MCP) provides continuing examination and monitoring of the project, as well as a more extensive examination of the shop drawings. This program is more suitable for projects that are larger and more complex, or of a very high standard. The monitoring process allows for the identification of issues earlier in the process, so that a problem can be corrected before multiple units have been installed and completed. This avoids having last minute corrective work required at the end of the project. The Monitored Compliance Program is the same for either an Affiliate shop or non-affiliate shop.

1. The shop drawings are inspected not just for compliance with the specifications and NAAWS, but they are compared to the plans for general design compliance. Details are checked for suitability for their application.

2. Once the shop has purchased materials for the project, they are checked to verify compliance with the approved shop drawings and specifications.

3. Assembled product is checked to verify the construction techniques and assembly meet NAAWS requirements.

4. As product is delivered and installation starts, periodic monitoring takes place, making sure installation methods and execution are compliant, and checking product on an ongoing basis.

5. Completed work is inspected, and upon overall completion certificates are issued.

The Monitored Compliance Program is a more collaborative approach to certification. There is an assumption that issues will be found, reported and resolved along the way, rather than a pass/fail inspection at the end. The shop is encouraged to contact Woodwork Institute with any potential issues, rather than pushing them under the rug. Major problems that require extensive rework or even replacement are less likely to occur, which helps keep the project on schedule.